Transforming transplant program operations with data-driven tools

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, transplant programs are leveraging data tools to improve patient outcomes, meet stringent quality standards, and optimize operational efficiency.

Here’s how UNOS’ innovative solutions are transforming the way transplant programs operate.

Enhancing efficiency: The UNOS Staffing Survey

One critical aspect of running a transplant program is ensuring adequate and efficient staffing. The UNOS Staffing Survey is the only tool of its kind tailored specifically for transplant programs. Each year, it gathers data on full-time equivalents (FTEs) across various roles, such as transplant coordinators, surgeons, and pharmacists, alongside key metrics like volumes of referrals and clinic visits.

Once that data is collected, participating programs gain access to an interactive dashboard, enabling benchmarking against similarly sized programs. This data-driven approach empowers hospitals to:

• Justify staffing requests to hospital administrators
• Forecast future staffing needs based on projected transplant volumes

By aligning staffing resources with operational demands, programs can ensure their teams are equipped to deliver high-quality patient care.

Streamlining administrative workflows: The UNOS RFI

Administrative efficiency is crucial for transplant programs operating in a highly regulated environment. The UNOS RFI simplifies annual reporting for insurance companies and networks by consolidating the required information into a single survey. This eliminates the need for multiple submissions and significantly reduces administrative burden.

With just one submission, programs can direct UNOS to share their information with selected insurers and networks, such as Aetna and Humana. This streamlined process saves valuable staff time, allowing teams to focus on their core mission of improving patient outcomes.

Driving quality improvement: Benchmarking and monitoring tools

To meet quality standards and ensure continuous improvement, transplant hospitals need robust tools for benchmarking and monitoring key metrics. UNOS offers several solutions tailored for quality teams:

• Transplant Program Benchmark Report: This quarterly report enables programs to compare their metrics against national, regional, and similar-sized programs, as well as two named peers.
• Key Insights Dashboard: Updated weekly, this interactive dashboard provides 24 high-level metrics, including pre- and post-transplant activity, with trend graphics to highlight performance over time.
• Transplant Program Dashboard: A comprehensive tool featuring over 20 visualization tabs with data on pre-transplant metrics, market share, transplant activity, and post-transplant outcomes. Programs can customize benchmarks using data from 5-7 selected peers.

These tools empower transplant hospitals to monitor performance in real time, identify areas for improvement, and implement data-driven strategies to enhance care quality.

Forecasting trends and preventing negative outcomes: UNOS Predict

Early intervention is key to addressing potential issues before they impact outcomes. The UNOS Predict dashboard provides a proactive solution by allowing hospitals to visualize performance metrics such as post-transplant graft survival and pre-transplant mortality.

The tool uses the latest SRTR PSR risk-adjustment models to deliver risk-adjusted, up-to-date insights. Updated monthly, this early-warning system helps hospitals:

• Identify negative trends before they are reflected in published reports
• Take corrective actions to improve outcomes in time to influence future results

Expanding transplant opportunities: The CARE Tool

Maximizing the number of transplants performed is a priority for all programs. The CARE Tool offers a unique perspective on organ offers, including outcomes of organs refused by a program but transplanted elsewhere. By leveraging this data, hospitals can:

• Broaden their criteria for organ acceptance
• Increase the number of transplants performed

This interactive dashboard, updated weekly, empowers programs to make more informed decisions about organ utilization, ultimately saving more lives.

Incorporating these data tools into daily operations allows transplant hospitals to achieve a trifecta of goals: improving patient outcomes, meeting quality standards, and increasing operational efficiency. By embracing data-driven decision-making, hospitals can ensure they remain at the forefront of transplant care, delivering better results for patients and their families.

Email us to explore how these tools can transform your transplant program and drive meaningful improvements.